The Journey of a Young Chemist: From Wood Blocks to Molecular Models
It all started with a simple idea that sparked during a day of helping my father with household repairs. As we worked, I stumbled upon a pile of wooden blocks near our shed, remnants from last year’s firewood supply. These blocks, cut from a beam, held endless possibilities for crafting.
Fascinated by the potential, I brought the wooden blocks to my room, unsure of their purpose but eager to explore. Little did I know that this fleeting interest would soon blossom into a passion project.
The turning point came during the summer when my fascination with carbon compounds collided with my newfound love for woodworking. Studying the intricate structures of molecules in school had captivated me, and I was inspired to bring these flat, two-dimensional diagrams to life.
Delving into the world of molecular geometry, I embarked on a mission to recreate these complex structures using the wooden blocks as my canvas. Armed with a ruler and pen, I began sketching grids on the blocks, laying the foundation for what would become intricate molecular models.
To kickstart my project, I meticulously crafted small wooden cubes from the blocks, each destined to represent an atom in my models. However, I soon realized that I needed something to connect these atoms together – wooden dowels.
Enter the humble kulfi sticks, discarded by locals after enjoying the sweet treats. Seeing an opportunity, I collected these sticks to repurpose them as wooden dowels, ensuring a sustainable supply for my creations.
With my materials in hand, I honed my woodworking skills by sanding the wooden cubes into spherical shapes, creating a uniform base for my models. The kulfi sticks were transformed into dowels, ready to serve as bonds between the wooden atoms.
As the pieces came together, I carefully assembled the molecules, using adhesive to secure the atoms and bonds in place. A final touch of paint brought the models to life, each one a testament to my dedication and creativity.
Satisfied with my creations, I continued to innovate and experiment, pushing the boundaries of my woodworking and chemistry skills. The journey from simple wooden blocks to intricate molecular models had been a labor of love and discovery.
